Tales from Rumi

Mathnawi selections for young readers

A collection of stories from Rumi’s classic opus “The Mathnawi,” this astounding compilation of more than 24,000 verses is carefully adapted for younger audiences. Best known for his spiritual poetry and the whirling dance of Sufi practice he inspired, Rumi’s influence continues to spread around the world.

Table of Content

Preface ………………………………………………………..vii
The Rabbit and the Lion ………………………………… 1
The Merchant and the Parrot ………………………….. 6
The Grocer and the Parrot …………………………….. 11
The Lion Tattoo ……………………………………………15
The Lion’s Share …………………………………………..19
The Deaf Man Visits His Ill Neighbor ………………22
The Chinese Painters and the Anatolian Artists ….26
The Bedouin and the Philosopher ……………………30
The Mouse and the Camel ……………………………..34
The Grape Fight ……………………………………………38
To Eat or Not to Eat the Baby Elephant …………….41
The Countryman and the Townsman ……………….45
The Water Seller’s Donkey ……………………………..51
The Donkey and the Fox ………………………………..55
The Bird’s Advice ………………………………………….61
The Foolish Bird …………………………………………..65
The Thief and the Villager ……………………………..67
The Smart Servant ……………………………………….. 70
When It Is Too Late ………………………………………74
The Trickster Tailor ……………………………………….76
The Dervish and the Judge ……………………………..79
Hidden Treasure……………………………………………83
The Sultan and His Fool ………………………………..88
The Camel, the Ox, and the Ram …………………….93
The Mouse and the Frog ………………………………..96
Sultan Mahmud and the Thieves ……………………..99
The Three Princes ……………………………………….104
Omar the Generous ……………………………………..108
The Flawed Horse ……………………………………… 111
The Treasure ………………………………………………115
Understanding the Language of Animals …………119
The Teacher’s Fear ………………………………………124